TRANSLATION OF THE 1783 CHARLES SPENER LETTER

Maureen Levine writes:

Sir, Having planned to publish, towards the end of September, an American almanac in Germany for next year, and wanting to illustrate it with many relevant engravings, of which the content does not need to be perfect; I dare turn to you and your extensive resources and knowledge of the history of the Anglo-American colonies even though I have yet to have the honor of making your acquaintance.

Allow me, sir, to briefly present to you the plan for this almanac, and then to ask for your kind assistance, either for information or the pieces themselves that I need and that certainly no one is better able to provide them to me than you, sir!

The almanac will first include the history of the revolution according to the best authors and with the most credible opinions that can be obtained. This topic will be illustrated with historical etchings, representing the most remarkable events of this war. Secondly: a gallery of famous American men with a summary of their political or military careers and illustrated with their portraits, copied from those drawn by du Simitier [Du Simitière] in Philadelphia and others that have been published in England. Seeing that you are a leader among these great American men, I beg your indulgence and as whether the portrait of you drawn by Pélicier for the Essay on Anglo-Americans is a close enough resemblance of you to serve as the model?

To make this gallery more complete, I will include famous American men, and it is here that I am having difficulty with the following portraits:

Portrait of John Adams
_________ Mr. Payne, author of Common Sense
_________ Dr. Warren, killed at Bunker Hill
_________ General Montgomery, killed in Quebec
_________ Mr. Paul Jones, Commodore in the service of the 13 United States [included -Maureen]

To these portraits, I would like to add the following pieces: The mausoleum erected by order of Congress to Dr. Warren
________ ditto ________________________ to the memory of General Montgomery
The medal struck by order of Congress to commemorate the capture of Major Andre
________ ditto _________________________________ the peace to immortalize the history of the Revolution

Form of paper money
Specimens of coins with the coat of arms of the 13 states
The coat of arms of the thirteen states
The flag of the thirteen states, in color
The uniform of the American troops, namely the regiments of Washington and Gates, in color

The historical section of this almanac has been entrusted to one of our best historians, Mr. Sprengel, history professor at the University of Halle, who has a thorough understanding of English and all the knowledge and qualities of a good historian. I dare say his work is worthy of your approval. Also, I would be honored to introduce him, and through your intervention, to the honorable members of Congress to whom I wish to pay tribute.

Forgive me, sir, that in pursuing this idea, I have dared to interrupt your serious occupations with a request of this kind, but please do me the honor of responding favorably to my humble request.

Finally, please allow me to add that from now until the end of September, the time set for the publication of almanacs in our country, is not far off, and the completion of different etchings require a considerable amount of time, so by providing me with the materials that I am missing as soon as possible, you would be adding infinitely to the good will that I ask of you. Bis dat, qui cito dat [He gives twice who quickly gives.]

Allow me, sir, to tell you of the veneration and the most heartfelt respect that I feel for you, the philosopher and statesman on two hemispheres. It is with these feelings that I have the honor of being your humble and obedient servant.

Charles Spener
Bookseller to the King

Maureen adds:

To read the earlier E-Sylum article, see:
MORE ON THE ORIGINS OF THE CONTINENTAL DOLLAR (http://www.coinbooks.org/v20/esylum_v20n42a23.html)

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